Audubon Society plans Allaire State Park field trip

What is “warbler neck?”                                            

The
answer to this question and many others will be revealed when the Monmouth
County Audubon Society hosts their annual field trip to Allaire
State Park, Wall
Township, on Saturday, May 3.

“At
this time of year, bird plumage is at its brightest and songs are loudest,”
says Dena Temple, trip leader. “To hear birdsong echoing through the woods is a
delight. Anyone interesting in learning how to identify spring migrants by song
is in for a real treat. We are never disappointed at Allaire.” She adds, “And
yes, you’ll definitely find out what ‘warbler neck’ is.”

While
most of a bird’s year is spent trying to be invisible to predators, things
change in the spring. The priority for birds in the spring is breeding, and
birds have a variety of ways to attract a mate. For one, most birds molt into
their beautiful, colorful breeding plumage, to make them more attractive to the
opposite sex. In addition, birds sing – loudly and often – in an effort to
establish a territory and attract a mate. Once summer is underway, a bird’s
priorities shift to nesting and raising young. Their feathers revert to the
duller “basic plumage,” and they sing much less.

The
migration season brings a great variety of birds through our area, and Allaire
State Park is what birders refer to as a “migrant trap,” an oasis of woodland
habitat surrounded by suburbs. This acts as a magnet for birds passing through,
which are drawn to the plentiful food (mostly insects) and native plant cover.
The diversity of the habitat and the rich feeding grounds are especially
attractive to wood-warblers. “We may see and hear 15 species of warblers,
several species of flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, and maybe Rose-breasted
Grosbeak,” adds Michael Casper, co-leader and past president of the
organization.

Anyone
interested in participating in the event can meet at 8:15 a.m. in the main parking
lot by the historic village. Follow the Garden State
Parkway to Exit 98, then follow the brown signs
for Allaire State Park.
The walk through the park will end before noon.

The trip is open to both
members and non-members of the Monmouth County Audubon Society, and
participation is free. Advance registration is not required. Participants
should bring binoculars and field guides and should dress appropriately for the
weather, including clothing suitable for rain if the forecast is questionable.
The walk will take place light rain or shine. If the weather is doubtful
participants can check the organization’s website, www.monmouthaudubon.org, for
any last-minute changes. Pets are not permitted.

The
Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is
dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat
protection and education. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month
September through May at Church of the Nativity, Ridge Road, Fair Haven; guest
speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are
provided. In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month,
and members receive The Osprey, the
club’s bi-monthly newsletter. Further information can be obtained by visiting the
organization’s Website at http://www.monmouthaudubon.org, or via e-mail at info@monmouthaudubon.org.